Patients seeing great results from treatment change

Treatment changes made last year have reduced the number of hyper or hypoglycaemic – where blood glucose levels become too high or low – experienced by patients with diabetes.

The changes were implemented last year as a package that included new policies around prescribing and monitoring insulin and clearer guidance around hypo and hyperglycaemia, and managing insulin while fasting for surgery or procedures. It also included new insulin medication charts.

The work involved nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and data analysts across a number of departments including endocrine, surgical, medicine, pharmacy, laboratory, emergency and intensive care.

There are now fewer hypo and hyperglycaemic episodes across the board, and less use of IV insulin in preparation for surgery.

The changes have been implemented at Hutt Valley DHB, and work is now underway to introduce them to Wairarapa DHB.